Barbecue pulled pork is a classic American comfort food that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The long, slow smoking process imbues the pork shoulder or butt with the rich flavor of wood smoke, transforming tough meat into tender, juicy strands ready for piling onto soft buns or serving up with a variety of traditional BBQ sides. But while pulled pork may be the star of the meal, it takes on even more character when paired with complementary flavors and textures. There are many delicious options for what to serve alongside BBQ pulled pork to round out the meal.
Sides to Complement Smoky, Savory Pulled Pork
When planning what to serve with bbq pulled pork, think about bright, crunchy, and tangy sides that provide contrast to the tender, unctuous meat. Crisp, vegetables, cool slaws, baked beans, and creamy potato salad all make excellent accompaniments. Spicy seasonings and zesty condiments like pickles also pair nicely with the rich pork. Here are some classic choices:
Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw provides refreshing texture and bright vinegar flavors that cut through the richness of BBQ pork. Creamy mayonnaise or tangy buttermilk coleslaw dressings complement, rather than compete with, the smoke and spices. For more crunch, use shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Try adding sweet fruits like diced pineapple or apple to balance the tang.
Potato Salad
Like coleslaw, old-fashioned potato salad is another traditional side for pulled pork. The smooth texture and mild flavor of potatoes tossed in mayonnaise, mustard, or vinaigrette allow the smoky pork flavor to shine. Add onions, celery, hard-cooked eggs, and herbs like dill or parsley to liven it up. Showcase local flavors by using regional potato varieties.
Macaroni Salad
Elbow macaroni coated in a creamy dressing similar to potato salad is a staple BBQ accompaniment in many parts of the American South. The pasta soaks up the rich flavors, while apple cider vinegar or lemon juice cuts through some of the meat’s fattiness. Crunchy additions like diced bell pepper, celery, and onion give each bite texture. Try mixing in shredded cheddar for flavor and creaminess.
Baked Beans
No BBQ would be complete without a big pot of baked beans simmered in sweet, smoky, tomato-based sauce. Kidney beans or navy beans are traditional, becoming soft and flavorful after hours in the sauce. Add onions, garlic, molasses or brown sugar for sweetness, and smoked meat for savoriness. The thick, spiced bean sauce complements shredded pork perfectly. Make them spicy with chili powder, mustard, or hot sauce.
Corn on the Cob
Fresh sweet corn on the cob is a beloved accompaniment to backyard BBQ. The natural sweetness balances the savory pork, while the kernels pop with juice. Grill the corn right alongside the pork to pick up those smoky flavors. Slather grilled corn in butter, creamy mayo, zesty lime-chili crema, or another flavorful topping to complement the pork.
Collard Greens
Slow-simmered collard greens mellow out the assertive bitterness of the leaves into a rich, earthy side. Pork drippings or ham hocks added to the pot lend meaty smokiness. Onions, garlic, hot sauce or vinegar pep them up. Collards’ distinct flavor and texture contrasts wonderfully with shredded pork. Other Southern greens like kale, turnip, or mustard work too.
Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni bakes up easily in a cast iron skillet on the grill or campfire right alongside the pork – no extra cooking required. The indulgent, rich cheese sauce pairs perfectly with smoky shredded pork in sandwiches or as a shareable side. Try cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, or Gruyère, and add crumbled Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs on top.
Cornbread
Warm wedges of cornbread fresh from the skillet or grill help soak up all the delicious BBQ sauce and pork drippings on the plate. Cornbread’s hint of natural sweetness from the cornmeal plays off the pork’s saltiness. Moist, fluffy cornbread brightened with creamed corn kernels or jalapeños makes an easy, satisfying side. For crunch, top it with bacon pieces.
Biscuits
Fluffy, savory buttermilk biscuits are a classic accompaniment for BBQ across the American South. Their soft, fluffy crumb readily absorbs the rich meat juices and sauce. The tang of buttermilk contrasts with the unctuous pulled pork. Split biscuits open to make sandwiches, or crumble them over baked beans. Offer honey butter on the side for spreading over each bite.
Home Fries
Crispy pan-fried potatoes spiced with smoked paprika make a hearty, savory base for pulled pork. Slice potatoes into wedges, fry them up in butter or oil, and season with garlic and onion powder. The tender insides and crispy edges and great textural contrast for piles of shredded smoky meat. Stack the pork over the spicy potatoes for an easy one-plate meal.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed russet or Yukon gold potatoes are another satisfying way to absorb and enjoy all the meaty BBQ flavors. Leave the skins on for extra texture. Creamy potato chunks seasoned with garlic, butter, sour cream, and milk let the deep pork shine. Top pork sandwiches or plates with a dollop of mashed potatoes instead of a bun.
Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting, cheesy side dish that pairs perfectly with smoky, savory pulled pork. The soft pasta shells soaked in melted cheese sauce complement the shredded pork texture. The rich cheese flavors stand up to the bold barbecue seasonings. Try cheddar, Monterey jack, Gruyère, or smoked gouda for depth. Top with crispy breadcrumbs or Ritz crackers.
Roasted Vegetables
For a lighter accompaniment, roasted vegetables like onions, carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower lend their caramelized sweetness. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in a hot oven alongside the pork roast to pick up the smoky essence. Their crisp-tender bite contrasts with the tender meat.
Green Salad
A fresh green salad adds welcome brightness and crunch alongside rich BBQ. Cool, crisp lettuces like romaine, spinach, arugula, or kale refresh the palate. Top with shredded carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and red onion for texture. Make the dressing tangy and creamy with oil, vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk rather than heavy ranch or Caesar.
Fruit Salad
Fruit is another light option, especially refreshing in the summer. Toss together cool melon cubes, pineapple chunks, halved grapes, and slivered mint. The natural sweetness balances the pork’s savory-smoky flavors. Berries, stone fruits, apples, or citrus also pair well. Drizzle salads lightly with honey-lime dressing.
Creative Sauces and Condiments for Pulled Pork
Barbecue sauce is the classic pulled pork accompaniment for slathering on sandwiches or dipping meat chunks into. But you can expand your BBQ horizons with diverse sauces, dips, and spices that complement pork’s richness.
BBQ Sauce
The king of pulled pork toppings – no BBQ spread is complete without plenty of zesty, tomato-based barbecue sauce. Regional American styles like Kansas City, Memphis, Texas, and the Carolinas differ in ingredients like molasses, vinegar, and spices. Offer several sauces for drizzling, dipping, and slathering onto buns.
Hot Sauce
For extra heat, provide an array of spicy condiments like Tabasco, Cholula, and Sriracha. A few fiery dashes or dunks add zip to the tender shreds of pork. Mix it into mayo, ketchup, or honey mustard for spicy dipping options. Add cayenne and other dried chiles to BBQ sauce for DIY spicy versions.
Mustard Sauce
Tangy yellow mustard or spicy stone-ground variations like maple mustard make excellent drizzles for pork straight off the smoker. Mustard’s vinegary punch and subtle spice complement the meat. Whisk in honey, brown sugar, or bourbon for sweet-spicy depth. Creole mustard is especially bold.
Pickles
Cool, briny pickle slices or relish add great crunch and acidity on pulled pork sandwiches. Bite-sized gherkins, dill spears, bread-and-butter chips, jalapeños, and pickled veggies like cauliflower, carrots, and onions refresh overly rich flavors. They make any sandwich or plate more interesting. Offer a pickled veggie tray too.
Salsa
Chunky garden tomato salsa, especially tangy versions heavy on onion, garlic, and cilantro, wakes up the palate after bites of fatty pork. The fresh veggies mix it up. Roasted salsas add deeper dimension, while fruit salsas like pineapple, mango, or peach lend sweet notes. Try classic pico de gallo, salsa verde with avocado and lime, or corn and black bean salsa.
Guacamole
Creamy, cool avocado guacamole provides delicious contrast to smoky shredded pork, just like salsa. Mash up ripe avocados with lime juice, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and salt for an easy dip. Guacamole’s richness offsets the unctuous pork. Add corn, black beans, or queso fresco for more flavor and crunch.
Honey Butter
Sweet honey butter really soaks into steamy pulled pork sandwiches, melting over the meaty filling. Blend softened salted butter with floral honey, cinnamon, lemon juice, or orange zest. Chill and slice into individual portions. Let guests spread it over biscuits or buns – or slather it directly over their pork for flavorful moisture.
Aioli
Creamy flavored mayonnaises called aioli offer unlimited ways to spice up pulled pork plates or sandwiches. Whip up customized versions by blending olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, mustard, hot sauce, or other seasonings into basic mayo. Sriracha, chipotle, basil, and lemon are especially tasty mixed with the unctuous pork.
Horseradish Cream
For added kick, fold grated horseradish root and minced garlic into sour cream,mayo, or plain Greek yogurt for a zippy condiment. The cooling dairy softens horseradish’s sinus-clearing bite. A dollop pairs perfectly with rich fatty pork to cut through the heaviness. Stir in chives, dill, lemon, or Dijon.
White Barbecue Sauce
Northern Alabama’s distinctive white sauce provides creamy peppery tang to balance standard tomato-based barbecue sauce’s sweetness. Mayo, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper combine for an emulsified zing that complements rich meat. Offer white and red sauce options.
Mojo Criollo
This vibrant Cuban-style garlic-citrus sauce comes together quickly in the blender. Puree garlic cloves, olive oil, orange and lime juices, cumin, oregano, and pepper until smooth. The zesty marinade also doubles as a sauce for spooning over pulled pork sandwiches with Swiss cheese, pickles, and ham.
More Menu Ideas: Before and After Pork
Pulled pork is undoubtedly the highlight of any Southern-inspired cookout. But you can expand the menu with these appetizers, snacks, and desserts to turn it into a full BBQ feast:
Appetizers
Get guests’ appetites going with these finger-friendly starters:
- Deviled eggs
- Chicken wings with blue cheese dressing
- Caprese salad skewers
- Pimento cheese spread with crackers
- Corn fritters
- Fried pickles
- Jalapeño poppers
- Smoked sausage bites
- Dirty chips with queso dip
Snacks and Sides
Offer even more options alongside the main pulled pork and salads:
- Cornbread muffins
- Watermelon slices
- Corn chips and guacamole
- Grilled vegetable platter
- Cheese grits
- Fruit skewers
- Crackers and cheese
- Tater tots
- Pickle tray
Desserts
Satisfy that sweet tooth and end the meal on a high note:
- Coconut cake
- Peach cobbler
- Banana pudding
- Pecan pie
- S’mores
- Cookies and brownies
- Fruit crisps
- Strawberry shortcake
- Sweet potato pie
- Iced tea, lemonade
Frequently Asked Questions About Serving Pulled Pork
What are the best BBQ sides to serve with pulled pork?
Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, cornbread, and collard greens are classic choices.
What vegetables go well with pulled pork?
Grilled corn, roasted potatoes, crispy fried okra, steamed broccoli, sweet glazed carrots, green beans, and peas.
What kind of buns are best for pulled pork sandwiches?
Brioche, potato rolls, pretzel buns, Hawaiian rolls, biscuits, and toasted sourdough all pair well.
How can I make pulled pork more interesting?
Mix in other shredded meats like chicken or beef brisket, or add unexpected flavors like kimchi, pineapple salsa, or mole sauce.
What sauce is best on pulled pork?
Kansas City, Memphis, or North Carolina vinegar-based barbecue sauces are traditional. Add spicy sriracha, creamy ranch, jalapeño jam, or fruity chutney for unique flavor.
Should pulled pork be served wet or dry?
It depends on preference! Dry-rubbed pork lets diners add sauce themselves. Pre-sauced pork is messier but packs ton of flavor. Offer extra sauce on the side either way.
Conclusion
Backyard BBQ pulled pork is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. While the pork itself offers rich, smoky flavor, creating an entire well-rounded meal brings the flavors alive. Tangy, crunchy, spicy, and cooling sides, sauces, salads, and more complement the shredded meat for an unforgettable feast. Use traditional Southern recipes or get creative with globally inspired ingredients – the opportunities for what to serve with bbq pulled pork are endless. With a flavorful crowd-pleasing spread, you’re sure to have happy guests and delicious memories.